Bowel Cancer Screening Begins Again

The preventative programme that was paused in November '22 because of a long waiting list for examinations has re-started.

Bowel cancer screening is known to be a good early detection method of the disease in those aged 60 or over.

But last November the programme had to halted, because the waiting list for an investigative procedure, known as a colonoscopy, had grown to levels that meant it was impractical to send out routine testing kits. The pandemic is partly to blame.

Instead, medical staff had to prioritise those with symptoms.

Martin Peacock, Associate Director of Clinical Support Services says it's important to start screening again:

"We are delighted to be announcing the re-start of the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme and would encourage anyone who receives a kit to complete it and return it using the self-addressed envelope as soon as possible."

Early symptoms of bowel cancer include blood in faeces, a change in toilet habits, pain the in the stomach and unexplained weight loss.

The screening programme uses a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) which is posted to everyone in the Bailiwick aged 60 years every 2 years until they are 70 years old.

Since the end of June, 500 kits have been sent out.